Trish Richardson is a writer for AllAboutJazz.com and is the author of the recently released book, The Soul of Jazz: Stories and Inspiration from Those Who Followed the Song in Their Souls. The book features interviews with twenty-two world-renowned jazz musicians. Each artist was asked the same set of thirteen questions, and their answers reveal an insightful, entertaining and educational glimpse into life as a jazz artist.

“Inspiration, setbacks, lessons learned—all topics that apply to any endeavor in life, not just music. That's what Richardson wanted to get at, and that's why her book should appeal to more than just jazz aficionados.”—Dean Kahn, The Bellingham Herald

The musicians featured in The Soul of Jazz all had a dream to make a living doing what they love to do—playing music. The Soul of Jazz tells each artist’s story from the very beginning, in his or her own words. The Soul of Jazz goes beyond the music to focus on the musicians themselves. It is not just about what they play, but also about who they are. Not just about what they've accomplished, but also about how they have accomplished it.

“This is unquestionably the best-written interview I have ever read of me.”—Benny Green, pianist

The musicians featured in The Soul of Jazz give praise to those who have come before them as well as pass on wisdom to those who are yet to follow. Their journeys are unique; their stories are their own. Yet what they all share is they were willing to listen to the music in their hearts and to follow the song in their souls.

None of them got to be where they are without help from those who had done it before them. The Soul of Jazz gives them all a platform where they could thank those who have taught them, inspired them, and helped make their dreams possible.

“By presenting the musicians through their own voices, Richardson gives readers the opportunity to peer inside an artist’s mind—and reminds us why art should occupy a prominent place in the world.”—Ralph Schwartz, Skagit Valley Herald

“Thanks for putting your heart and soul into this book. It’s something really special you’re doing.”—Mindi Abair, saxophonist and vocalist

The Soul of Jazz is Richardson’s first book. She has interviewed Mindi Abair, Josh Brown, Mark Whitfield and Leroy Jones for AllAboutJazz. Regarding his article, Whitfield commented, “The article that you wrote was quite possibly the best piece that anyone has ever written about me.”

Richardson holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an English major. Though Richardson is no longer teaching on a professional level, her commitment to educating and enriching the lives of children is a lifelong one. Therefore, half the proceeds from the book are being donated to VH1 Save the Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reestablishing an instrumental music education program in American schools. For more information about the foundation, visit www.vh1savethemusic.com.